Ex-Met officer John Cannon is entangled in trouble from the moment he vaults a stile on an early morning run and becomes ensnarled in a discarded fishing-line. The macabre discovery at the far end of this line leads John into a search for a missing au pair, conflict with the local police, and involvement with a national newspaper and international crime. He follows the trail of a ruthless Portuguese businessman who owns a local health spa where much is concealed and a team of security guards with dogs patrol the grounds. Danger lies with Cannon every step of the way as he strives to solve the mystery and catch the criminals.